Watch 1697 - 1707

Editor: This is a pocket watch, made between 1697 and 1707 by David Lestourgeon. It’s made of metal, with incredibly detailed engraving on its face. What strikes me most is its small size. What can you tell us about it? Curator: This watch speaks volumes, doesn't it? A seemingly simple object, yet laden with symbolic weight. The very act of containing time, of miniaturizing it for personal carriage, represents a shift in how humans relate to temporality. Do you notice the floral patterns intertwined within the numerals? Editor: Yes, now that you point it out, I see them. What do they mean? Curator: The flowers are key, aren't they? In this era, floral motifs often symbolized beauty, transience, and the cyclical nature of life. Notice how they're not merely decorative but integrated into the very structure of timekeeping. Does that give you pause? Editor: It does, yes. The idea that time and beauty are so entwined. So, it’s not just telling time but also commenting on it? Curator: Precisely. It also makes you think about mortality, as each moment passes. It's a constant reminder of our fleeting existence, dressed in the guise of luxury. It’s like carrying a miniature *memento mori*, isn't it? Editor: I never would have seen that. Thank you for highlighting the connection between these symbols! Curator: And thank you for bringing fresh eyes to this piece; such symbology enriches even a functional design.